MUSLM UNIVERSITY OF MOROGORO

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC HISTORY

DEFINITION OF HISTORY:
Literally, History means: the study of the past events or incidents, regardless of whether these
events are harmonious to the nature of existence or not, covering all walks of life. In this
definition, we understand that a historical event/incident is taken as an isolated one that occurs
once and can never ever be repeated in the entire life.
Technically, History means: the science of human endeavor or an attempt to respond to some
questions that are directly relating to human efforts happened in the previous time, but probably
these efforts can be useful in future. In this definition, it is evident that history is a melting
utensil of human experiences. So a historical incident is an event that occurs once and is never
ever being repeated in the human history. Sometimes historians agree on the occurrence of an
incident, but their interpretation for its causes and motives behind will vary according to their
different approaches. And this attitude has been caused by the following factors as Dr.Abdel
Aziz al Dory states:

1.
FACTORS AFFECTING HISTORY
When we read history of any event in the world, we have to be very careful in making decision.
In this situation we are not required to take it as an authentic event occurred in human history. As
we have understood that history technically is the science of human efforts or an attempt to
answer some questions related to human efforts in the past. This technical definition tells us that
it is the human efforts that can narrate to us the historical events or incidents occurred in the past.
And for sure we understand that human beings are being exposed to discrepancy or weakness,
briefly we can say that he is imperfect. And not only that but it is also to find solutions to some
questions that might arise. This also shows explicitly that there is no certainty and accuracy in
history; it is mere through trial and error. In this regard, the true, reliable, and authentic history
should come from the revelation. That is why we believe in all stories and parables that have
been recorded in the Holy Qur’an, and in other revealed texts in their pure form [before
interpolation]
It is well understood that some times we learn different historical events that happened in the
past through a human life, and we are being forced or convinced to believe that such events are
true, but in reality, they are not. In this case, we assert that history has been partially or
completely distorted by the following factors.

1. Faith [Religious perspective.]

 Sometimes historians agree on the specific event occurred in the past. However, the
interpretation causes, and motives behind this event will vary according to their different
approaches. Some of them will provide wrong interpretation for the event, relying or basing on
religious affiliation. In this case, a historian tries as much as he can to deviate from the truth of
the incident for the purpose of his/her religious benefits.
2. Politics [Political Orientation]
There are some historians who deliberately cover-up the reality of event. They know for sure
the true cause/motive for the occurrence of the incident, but in order to save the interests of the
state, they misinterpret the event, and display a negative image for the incident.
3. Intellect and Cultural-making.
This is the situation where a historian neglects his/her professionalism and turns to depend on
his mind and the culture of the country he/she resides. He/she thinks that the mind takes first
priority in Judging all matters that occur on the globe even if it goes against the fact. Some
historians also consider a culture of a particular place as an epicenter in providing information. If
the culture of that place is to deceive the mass and hide the truth, definitely the historians will
adopt the same culture of giving wrong and untrue information to the subjects. As a result, the
population, especially students will take such information as undoubted and indisputable
information to rely on.
So, these are some of the factors that in most cases that play a crucial role in tarnishing the true
image of history in the world. It is therefore advisable to students and anyone who reads history
to take into consideration such factors seriously, and not to trust the information given by
historians as something entirely reliable. At this juncture, one historian and historiographer
known as Ibnu Khaldun who was the first one to speak explicitly about the idea of history in his
famous book titled “MUQADDIMAH” [PROLEGOMENA] says: “The deeper meaning of
history involves the speculation and attempt to understand the reality of the event,
explaining the causes and the origin of that event, not only that but also to have the correct
knowledge on how and why the incident occurred” In this regard, let us have an insight or
over view on how Islamic history should be presented or approached. Here we are referring to
the prominent scholar known as Muhammad Qutb, he says: Throughout my reading and while
teaching, I realized that Islamic history is not presented in a proper manner, whether to the
students or to the readers. In most cases, what we get is the product from the Orientalists,
regardless of whether it came directly from their books or through Muslim students who took
their information for granted as indisputable facts. Needless to say that the Orientalists are the
most active people in their destructive measures when it comes to Islamic history or Islam in
general. He continues saying that, our history needs honest and trustworthy people who are eager
and keen on the true history of their religion, and also are aware of the hidden agenda of the
enemies and their constant plotting. Our students should get their knowledge from the proper and
reliable sources, and not from anyone who claims to be an acquainted in the field of history.
Otherwise they might fall preys under the spell of their enemies.”
 STAGES OF ISLAMIC HISTORY
We understand that the history of Islam covers a huge range as we have seen earlier. However,
In this particular topic, we are going to deal with the following stages:
1.During the time of the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama.
2. During the time of four Companions.
3. During the Umayyad dynasty.
4. During the Abbasid dynasty.
5. Durng the time of Ottoman Empire.
DURING THE TIME OF THE PROPHET- [ISLAMIC STATE IN MADINAH] [622 AD -
632 AD]
Now the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama is in Madinah as a head of state, monitoring
each and everything in human life. During his time, he succeeded in forming a stronger and
consistent government that managed to deal with different matters in the society. This type of
leadership became a legacy to his successors who applied the same system after his demise. This
type of government can be practically observed by having a glance at the following areas:
POLITICIAN: -In this aspect, the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama appointed righteous
and pious people to hold different posts. So those who were given the vacancies in leadership
were regarded as a role model in the community. The Prophet Swallallaahu alyhi wasallama did
not appoint his subordinates basing on friendship, family relationship, or tribalism, but the major
qualification was righteousness and piety, something that should be emulated by our current
politicians all over the world. Generally, the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama was not only
an Imam in the mosque, leading congregational prayers, but also,he fully participated in the
arena of politics.
CHIEF OF ARMED FORCES
It is well known that the Prophet Swallallaahu alayhi wasallama engaged in the holy war and
He used to be in the front line, giving instructions to his warriors, where to place themselves.
It is reported that, in one battle he was injured and started lamenting and complaining.
As a chief of armed forces, he appointed some generals and sent them to different territories
to carry out military mission. He appointed the following figures for the purpose of stopping
insurgency in those areas. 1. General Hamza Ibni Abdil Muttalib. 2.General Sa’d Ibni Abii
 Waqqaas. He also appointed two generals, Zayd Ibni Haaritha and Ja’far Ibni Abii Twaalib
specifically, to lead the army towards Romans. In addition to that, he selected Khalid Ibni Walid
to lead the battalion in the battle known as Dummat-al Jandal.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Being an Attorney General, the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallam took responsibility for
appointing judges and sent them to different provinces to settle dispute and provide justice to
citizens. Among of these judges are: Mu’adh Ibni Jabal, Abu Musa al-Ash-a’riy, and Alii Ibni
Abii Twalib. The Prophet swllallaahu alayhi wasallama also established tribunals [minor courts]
to listen the complaints from the subjects against the judges or governors. In this post, he
selected Rashid Ibni Abdullah as a head of judiciary and tribunals. In addition to that, he also
appointed the Registrars as heads of the following departments:
DEPARTMENT OF REGISTRAR
Writing the treaties: Alii Ibni Abii Twaalib
Dealing with war- booties: Mu’ayqib IbniAbii Fatmah
Loan agreement and other transactions: Mughiira Ibni Shu’bah
Correspondence [writing letters to kings] Shar habiil Ibni Hasanah.
Apart from that, he also launched the National Assembly by selecting the following personalities
to become members of this Assembly:
Abu Bakr asswidiiq, Omar Ibni al- Khattwaab, Hamza, Ja’far, Alii IbniAbiiTwaalib, Salmaan al
Faarisiy, Abdulla Ibni Mas’uud, Abu Dharr al Ghifaariyyu, Ammaar IbniYaasir, and Bilal Ibni
Rabbaah.
STABILITY OF ECONOMY
In order for any state to prosper and develop rapidly, there should a better and reliable system in
controlling and supervising the economy of the state. In this regard, the Prophet swallallaahu
alayhi wasallama established the better system in collecting zakaat in all properties. Sometimes,
he gave the instructions to the governors of all provinces to carry out the duty themselves.
However, those who were assigned to collect zakaat were entrusted people. It happened once that
Abdullah Ibni Rawaaha was sent to assess the crops at Khaybar in order to collect zakaat. After
his arrival, the people of that area gave the State Revenue Authority officer [S. R. A. O.]
something as a gift, and said to him: “Take this and disappear with your assessment” But the
officer replied by telling them that:
“O you people, you are to me the most despised creatures of Allah Sub haanahuu wa ta’alaa,
however, this does not make me treat you unjustly. What you have offered me as a bribe is
 prohibited, so we don’t take it.”

SOURCES OF INCOME IN ISLAMIC STATE.

In addition to alms-giving [zakaat] and Sadaqaat [charity], Prophet swallallaahu alayhi
wasallama introduced other sources for running the government smoothly, these sources include:
War- booty, land tax [kharraaj], and capitation tax [jizya]. These sources were sufficient to cover
all expenditures of the state. In order to ensure the proper and genuine expenditures, Prophet
Swallallaahu alayhi wasallama introduced the system of cross-checking on the governors and all
administrators. He inquired them and listen to their reports on collection of the revenues. He
assessed their collections and expenditures. It happened once that one companion was assigned
to go somewhere to collect zakaat. This man came back with additional properties and said to
Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama:“This is for you [zakaat], and this is mine [it has been
given to me as a present” The Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama became up set and furious,
and told him that: What is it with you? We appointed you to work on what Allah sub haanahuu
wa ta’alaa entrusted in us, and you utter such a statement? Won’t you stay at home and see if you
get any present. Verily, when we appoint someone to carry out any duty, and pay him for that, so
anything he takes apart from his payment is regarded as haraam [prohibited].So knowingly or
unknowingly he takes into his belly a brand of fire.
PROPAGATION OF ISLAM.
The Prophet Swallallaahu alayhi wasallama told all governors in all provinces to carry out the
duty of propagating Islam to all citizens, Muslims and non-Muslims. In so doing, he cautioned
them not to abuse the faith of other people, such as Christians and Jews. What they were
required to do is to explain to these people the principles of Islam, and also to remind them that
Islam is the religion of all Prophets. Allah Sub haanahuu wata’alaa says:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instructions, and argue with them in
a way that is best…………………………………... [16:125]
This can be easily proved by referring to the famous story of Mu’adh Ibni Jabal when he was
sent to Yemen as an envoy from the Prophet. Before his departure, the Prophet instructed
Mu’adh how to propagate Islam in the society comprising of different faiths. [Refer to this
sermon of the Prophet to Mu’adh from other sources]. The Prophet Swallallaahu alayhi wa
Sallama also requested all governors to be polite to the subjects so long as they obey the laws.
Allah sub haanahuu wata’alaa says: “So by mercy from Allah [O Muhammad] you were
lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech], and harsh in heart, they would
have disbanded from you……………. [3:159] Generally, this is the type of the government
that should be emulated by our current heads of states all over the world, not to be purely Islamic
states, but just to apply the system of leadership, basing on justice, mercy, and accountability.
FUNDAMENTALS OF ISLAMIC STATE.
It is well understood that the message conveyed by all Prophets was representing the true Islamic
state, in the sense that it required all people to abide by the teachings of the Creator through His
Prophets. In this regard, the Islamic state should observe the following fundamentals as essential
pillars in establishing Islamic state anywhere in the world.
SOVEREIGNTY OF ALLAH [S.W.]
It means that people should believe that Allah sub haanahuu wata’laa being the highest Authority
in different issues, is regarded as the source of directives in Islamic state. Allah is Self-Sufficient,
and His work is free from weakness/faults. Everyone must depend on Him for his/her existence
and sustenance. Basically, Islamic state is a divine state where Allah is regarded as the only
Sovereign over all creatures. Allah says: “………………………To Him belongs the dominion
of the heaven and the earth. It is He Who gives life and death, and has power over all
things” [57:1-6]
CONSULTATION/CRITICISM
It means that Islamic state is not a dictatorial government or shut-up system, but rather it is the
system whereby all state and public affairs are handled and accomplished by mutual
consultation, together with wise and knowledgeable representatives. It accepts contribution of
ideas from different citizens, or criticized for slippery in some matters. Allah says:“And those
who have responded to their Lord and established prayer, and whose affair is determined
by consultation among themselves……………………” [42:38]
OBEDIENCE OF THE RULER
It means that, the subjects in any Islamic state should obey their ruler/Caliph/Amir/Imaam in all
matters that are not contrary to Shari’ah. The citizens have the right to submit their complaints
against their Caliph or any official to the judicial courts. And on the other hand, the citizens can
also be punished if they disobey their leader in any matter within the boundaries of Shari’ah.
Allah says: “O you who believed, obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and those in
authority among you” [4:59]
JUSTICE
In Islamic state, the Rule of Law should prevail, and all citizens are equal before the law,
regardless of any difference or distinction. The elite, the poor, the privileged and less privileged,
Muslims and non-Muslims, blacks and whites, all these are equal before the law. Islam does not
entertain any kind of discrimination or racism in providing justice. Allah sub haanahuu wata’laa
says: “O you who believed, stand out firmly for justice……………….” [4: 135]
SOCIAL WELFARE
It means that, Islamic state is responsible for the well-being of the subjects in terms of providing
basic needs for them. It should work hard to ensure the availability of all requirements, such as
running water, and better infrastructure. Islamic state is an institution where religion and politics
are indispensable or cannot be compartmentalized. So, in Islamic state, a leader is BOTH
[Religion and Politics] as we have already proved that.
ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDDING EVILS
The head of state should give an order to all citizens to do what is good and refrain from
indulging in all evils, and urging them to carry out the duty of enjoining good and forbid the
evils in the society. He should also provide an environment whereby people can live in peace,
tranquility, and harmony. This can be achieved through sermons in the mosques and public
speeches. It is also advised to train kids at their tender age to develop such behavior at home and
in educational institutions. This duty of enjoining good and forbidding the evils should be carried
out by any citizen at his/her capacity, not waiting for specific people to do that. The main
purpose for this duty is to reduce the number of crimes in the society, if not to get rid of them.
Allah says: “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin
what is right and forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah………...” [3:110]
END OF PROPHET’S LIFE.
After serving the Islamic state for almost ten years, Allaah sub-hanahuu wata’alaa selected His
Prophet to join his fellow Prophets who passed a way in the previous years. Fortunately, the
Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama departed from this world when the religion was
completed. He succeeded in showing the way of true Islam to his Companions who also followed
his footsteps in disseminating pure Islam, basing on the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet
swallallaahu alayhi wasallama as major sources of Shari’ah.So he left behind the legacy for all
Muslims, particulars leaders all over the world.

THE FIRST CALIPH [ABU BAKR ASSWIDIIQ] [632 CE-634CE]

The word “Caliph” [Khalifa] literally means: back/behind [Khalfu]. [19: 59]
Technically Caliph means: a deputy who rules according to the instructions given by Allah or
His Messenger.
Born in Makkah in the year 573 C E, and named Abdul-Ka’ba. But after converting to Islam, the
Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama changed his Jaahiliyyah name, to an appropriate name,
that is Abdullah.
His name is: Abdullah Ibni Uthman Ibni Aamir.His father was also known as Abu Quhaafah.
His mother’s name is: Salma bint Swakhr. Abu Bakr belonged to a noble tribe of BanuTamim, a
branch of Quraysh tribe.
HIS LIFE IN MAKKAH:
During this period, Abu Bakr engaged in business in the city center and its suburbs. It is well
known that soon after converting to Islam, he supported the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi
wasallama in his mission of DA’AWA [Propagating Islam]. Abu Bakr played a crucial role in
setting free some Muslims who were under captivity by paying some amount of money as
ransom.When the time of migration was ready, Abu-Bakr offered a camel to Prophet
swallallaahu alayhi wasallama, but he refused to take it on free charge, so he had to pay for it.
HIS CHARACTERS
As a matter of fact, in both periods [Makkah& Madinah], Abu Bakrpossessed the following
characters:
-Hating all pre-Islamic era customs and behavior.
-He was generous and kind to weak people and those in need.
-He was honest and truthful, and that is why hewas given the nameof “Asswiddiiq” [Truthful]
-He was very firm in faith after converting to Islam. Under this constant belief, the Prophet said:
“I did not invite anyone to embrace Islam but was hesitant exceptAbuBakr”
HIS APPOINTMENT TO BE A CALIPH
There are some people who assert that, AbuBakrdid not deserve to be the first Caliph. In the
sense that there was somebody else who was chosen by the Prophet himself during his life time
to hold this post. As a matter of fact, such claim is baseless and unfounded by referring to the
following qualifications that prove beyond any shadow of doubt for Abubakar to deserve such
position:
-One day the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama was not feeling well, so he appointed Abu
Bakr to lead the congregational prayer.
-There are some verses in the Qur’an that were revealed on him with the Prophet: [9:40]
-He was believed to have a deep knowledge in the field of genealogy [Family history]
Apart from these three qualifications, Dr. Montgomery Watt added threemore as follows:
-There was a betrothal relationship between him and Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallam.
-He accompanied the Prophet during migration to Yathrib [Madinah]. [ 9:40]
-He was also chief advisor of the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama in Madinah.

HIS FIRST SERMON

After fulfilling the above qualifications, Abu Bakr took over the Islamic state after the demise of
the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama in the year 632 CE to 634 CE. After taking an oath of
leadership, he delivered a remarkable and wonderful speech that deserves to be a guide to our
leaders currently. He said: “O people, I have been appointed by you as your leader. However, it
does not mean that I am the best among you. So, if I do something good, please support me, and
if I do on the contrary, please take me to the right track. Truth to me is oneamong my priorities,
and lying is treason, the weak among you is strong to me till I get his/her right, Allah willing
[Inshaa Allaah], and the strong among you is weak to me till I take people’s rights from him,
Inshaa Allaah. Please obey me as long as I obey Allaah and his Messenger. Please get up for
prayer, may Allaah send His mercy upon you.”
CHALLENGES IN HIS LEADERSHIP
1. PUNITIVE EXPEDITION: This was the first challenge faced Abu Bakr. It means that, the
Prophet Swallallaahu alayhi wasallama before passing away, he appointed Usama Ibni Zayd to
lead a battalion towards Syrian borders for the purpose of retaliation to the death of Usama’s
father who was killed in the battle of Muutah. Unfortunately, the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi
wasallama responded to the call of His Lord before the expedition started moving. Some
Companions came up with an idea of pulling out, or to replace Usama with someone else who is
more experienced in the battle field and aged than Usama who was 17 years old. However, Abu
Bakr refused and insisted on sending Usama as intended by the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi
wasallama.
2. APOSTASY WAR [HARBUR-RIDDAH]
Apostasy refers to pulling out from the fold of Islam by either action, intention, pronunciation,
and even doubting in one among the principles of Islam. During his reign, some tribes such as
Kinaanah misunderstood the true concept of alms-giving [zakaat]. They thought that zakaat was
just a normal tax that was supposed to be given to the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasllama. So
long as the Prophet is no longer there, there was no need of giving this tax to Abu Bakr. The
Caliph tried to explain to them the meaning of zakaat and its importance in Islam. However,
these people put their fingers in their ears, and persisted with great arrogance. In such situation,
Abu Bakr ordered them to re-embrace Islam by pronouncing Twin-Testimony [ Shahaadataan]
and give zakaat, otherwise the only option was to declare war against them.
3. UNTRUE PROPHETS: This phenomenon of appearing false prophets started during the time
of the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasllama, and continued during the reign of Abu Bakr. The
following names were famous in this claim, such as: As-wad al-ansiy [King of Yemen], Tulayha
[Famous warrior], Sajjaah bint al-Haarith [later became a wife of Musaylama Ibni Habib a.k.a.
Musaylama al-Kadh-dhaab [Great liar] who also claimed prophethood. When the Prophet
swallallaahu alayhi wasallama was still alive, Musaylama wrote a letter informing him that, he is
not alone in this carrier, but there is also somebody else known as Musaylama. When Abu Bakr
took over the Caliphate, he sent a battalion under Khalid Ibni al-Walid to crash Musaylama, and
that was the end of his life. These are some of the major challenges faced Abu Bakr in his
leadership.
 HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
1. COMPILATION OF THE HOLY QUR’AN: When the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi
wasallama was still breathing, there was no Qur’an in the shape of a complete book that we
recite it today. However, it was written on different materials: visible [leather, bones, and
parchment], and also on invisible materials: [memorization] Having realized this, Abu Bakr
straggled in compiling a single copy from those two forms of materials. This copy was sent to
Omar Ibni al-Khattab, and when Abu Bakr passed away, and Omar took over the leadership, he
kept that copy with his daughter Hafsah before his death. When Osman Ibni Affan became a
Caliph, that copy was given to him and managed to produced many copies that were distributed
to different provinces.
2. SWEEPING AWAY APOSTASY MOVEMENT AND FALSE PROPHETS: Within a
period of one year, Abu Bakr succeeded in defeating these two movements in the state, and all
matters were settled accordingly.
3. INTRODUCING CONSULTATION & COUNCILING BODY: This body was responsible
for dealing with different issues in the state and trying to solve them in a democratic manner.
Eventually all decisions were made by considering the voice of majority, but with reference from
the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of Sunnah of the Prophet swallallaahu alayhi wasallama. These are
some of the crucial matters that were achieved by the first Caliph during his life time, may Allah
sub haanahuu wata’alaa be pleased with him.
HIS LIFE COMES TO AN END
After serving the Islamic state for almost two years, Abu Bakr was called by His Lord after
suffering from severe fever that marked the end of his life in this temporary world.When he was
critically sick, Muslims gathered outside his house and requested him to appoint his successor.
Before making his choice, he told them to suggest anyone they see him capable for this post.
Muslims consulted each other and came up with different names, but no one who was ready to
take this responsibility. Eventually, they told Abu Bakr to make his choice, and without
hesitating, Abu Bakr appointed Omar to be his successor, and no one was against this
appointment. The process of selecting successor was carried out as follows:
-Consultation and consensus of majority from prominent Companions.
-The issue should be left to Muslims for nominating anyone who is qualified for this heavy
responsibility.
-Writing the will for the next Caliph if necessary to avoid conflict among Muslims themselves.
FAMOUS BOOKS IN ISLAMIC HISTORY
As a student of Islamic history, it is better to know some of the famous books in this field. The
following are some of these books along with their authors.
BOOKS: AUTHORS
Al bidaaya wannihaayah Ibnu Kathiir
History of the rightly Guided Caliphs Al suyuutwii
History of Damascus Ibnul Asaakir
Al Kaamil Ibnul Athiir
History of Islam Adh dhahaby
Taariikh al Kabiir Imam Bukhary
History of Baghdad Al Khatiib
Mir aat azzamaan Ibnul Jawziy
Al durar al Kaamina Ibnu Hajar.
Taariikh al Twabary Ibnu Jariir al Twabary

To mention just a few. So it is necessary for anyone who wants to be acquainted with history of
Islam to refer to these books in order to acquire true and authentic history of this religion rather
than relying on fabricated history of Islam written by some of the orientalists and the enemies of
Islam.